Roof Rat
Scientific name: Rattus rattus
Biology and Life Cycle
The Roof rat gets its name from its preference to stay in high elevated areas. It is also called “black rat” due to its black fur, and “ship rat” because it is commonly found in coastal areas and seaports. It is slender with a tail longer than its head and body. It has a pointed nose, large eyes and ears.
Adult roof rats measure about 16-20 cm from head to body, and their tails measure 19-25 cm, meaning they can measure more than 40 cm. They weigh around 200 grams but can be as heavy as 340 grams. They reach sexual maturity in 3-4 months. Females can produce 4-5 litters per year, with 6-8 pups each. Roof rats typically live up to a year.
Behaviour
Roof rats are nocturnal and thrive in cool weather. They forage at night and tend to return to the same food source time and time again. They forage in groups and follow the same path from their nest to food (about 40-50 meters). They have a preference for vegetables and fruits, but also eat anything available to them. Unlike Norway rats, Roof rats cannot burrow and are more equipped to live indoors in tall infrastructures. Their excellent climbing skills enable them to nest in walls and roof voids of tall buildings. This skill also enables them to easily cross one building to another by connecting cables. When outdoors, roof rats may nest on top of trees and vines. Additionally, roof rats can fit through a 20 mm hole, gaining easy access to entry points.
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